Ballet Cymru are delighted to confirm that from 27 November 2023, Tonia will take on this brand new role for the company, advocating for disabled dancers and inclusion in dance.
Tonia started dancing at the age of 2 and experienced a range of dance styles including ballet, before her disability developed at the age of 14. Despite acute and often life threatening medical conditions, Tonia taught herself to move again, defying expectations to re-join the world of dance.
Tonia joined the Ballet Cymru Associate Programme 2021-22 then went on to complete the Pre professional Programme in 2022, and now continues her development as a dancer, choreographer and educator with Ballet Cymru in this new role.
“When I first joined Ballet Cymru I was welcomed and included and Ballet Cymru really inspired me to help others with similar situations. With Ballet Cymru’s continued support, I can demonstrate that people with disabilities can also dance and can progress in professional world of ballet.”
Tonia, Dance Agent for Change at Ballet Cymru
Tonia has performed professionally on stage, choreographed numerous works, led workshops in schools and in the community and is currently delivering weekly sessions for Ballet Cymru 3, the company’s new inclusive youth group.
‘We are delighted that Tonia will be our Dance Agent for Change. She has already produced outstanding work through her determination and passion to dance, and we can’t wait to see Tonia excel in her new role!”
Amy Doughty, Ballet Cymru’s Artistic Director, Engagement & Training
Opportunities to Widen Access and Engagement in Ballet and Dance
Tonia is seeking ways and opportunities to widen access and engagement in ballet and dance, and to work with communities in reaching out to disabled people who have the potential to dance. Tonia will be taking performance into the community to demonstrate the possibilities of inclusion in dance.
For more details, contact Tonia, Dance Agent for Change: tonia@welshballet.co.uk or call 01633 892927.
Exclusive screening of ‘Stigma’ a film by Tonia at Ballet Cymru’s Festive Fundraiser on Sunday 3 December 2023
Tonia was commissioned by Ballet Cymru to create Stigma, a short dance film screening on Ballet Cymru’s Digital Stage , which Tonia, wrote, choreographed and performed. It sends a strong message about inclusion and isolation, and the feelings we may experience in life, but in different ways.
We are delighted to launch an exclusive preview of Tonia’s film at Ballet Cymru’s Festive Fundraiser Event on Sunday 3 December 2023. Come and watch the film and enjoy live performances by the company dancers and Pre-Professional dancers in the spacious dance studio, with festive treats offered to guests.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the Ballet Cymru 3 flagship inclusive dance programme.
Book your FREE place here: Ballet Cymru’s Festive Fundraiser